Nelson Arts Festival Reveals 2026 Programme

Joyful, adventurous and bursting with homegrown and global creativity, the Nelson Arts Festival returns this spring with 11 days and more than 50 events spanning theatre, music, comedy, circus, literature, visual arts and large-scale community celebrations.

From 22 October – 1 November, Whakatū will come alive with breathtaking performances, a bold new commission and shared moments of wonder, as New Zealand’s longest-running annual regional arts festival brings together local, national and international artists for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, connection and imagination.

The full programme is now live at www.nelsonartsfestival.nz.

Built around the theme of Joy, the 2026 festival invites audiences to step away from the everyday and experience the magic of gathering together. Under Artistic Director Janelle Bish, this year’s programme places the creative talent of Whakatū centre stage while welcoming acclaimed artists from across Aotearoa and around the world.

“There are moments in history when simply choosing to gather, create and imagine becomes an act of quiet defiance. This year’s programme is a celebration of joy, generosity and connection. Alongside exceptional national and international artists, we’ve invested more deeply into the incredible creative talent that exists here in Whakatū Nelson. We’re telling local stories, commissioning new work, creating opportunities for artists to grow, and opening spaces where our community can come together, participate and belong. We hope people leave feeling uplifted, connected and reminded that joy is something we create together,” says Artistic Director Janelle Bish.

Opening the festival is Tiri: Te Araroa Woman Far Walking, Auckland Theatre Company’s powerful production directed by Katie Wolfe and adapted from the landmark work of Witi Ihimaera Smiler. Award-winning actors Miriama McDowell and Nī Dekkers-Reihana lead audiences on a sweeping theatrical journey through Aotearoa’s history, with Ihimaera joining the opening-night post-show kōrero.

Bringing international spectacle to Whakatū is acclaimed Canadian company Machine de Cirque, arriving direct from Québec for its exclusive South Island appearance. Blending breathtaking acrobatics, live music, quick-fire comedy and astonishing physical theatre, this internationally celebrated production promises an unforgettable festival experience filled with risk, invention and infectious energy.

A major part of this year’s programme is a commitment to creating extraordinary arts experiences that everyone can be part of, with free events taking over some of Whakatū’s best loved public spaces. The Big Swing Street Party transforms Upper Trafalgar Street into a vibrant playground of free music, dance, art and participation. At its centre is Swing, Ian Pidd’s spectacular nine metre high bright yellow swing, arriving in New Zealand for the first time after delighting audiences at the Sydney Opera House and festivals across Australia.

Another major free event is The Gathering Tide, a spectacular sunset performance on Tāhunanui Beach created by internationally acclaimed Nelson choreographer Chloe Loftus. Developed through the festival’s By Whakatū Residency Programme, the work has grown from an early creative seed into an ambitious festival commission, bringing together up to 100 local performers in a moving celebration of place, belonging and collective movement beneath the stars.

The festival’s commitment to local creativity continues with Echoes, a new immersive production by Golden Bay theatre-maker Martine Baanvinger (delving into the history of the iconic Fairfield House), and Tāhae: Stolen From the Museum, an exhibition led by local artist and carver Kahu Paki Paki celebrating the reclamation of taonga through the work of Te Tauihu artists. Musician Levity Beet brings his inventive family performances to Motueka Library and community celebrations, while Pukapuka Talks once again champions local storytelling, with around half of this year’s featured authors coming from the Nelson-Tasman region.

Heading to Whakatū fo Pukapuka Talks is also former politician Kiritapu Allan, 2022 Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, novelist Charlotte Grimshaw, Ockham award-winner Tina Makereti and Ingrid Horrocks , comedian Pax Assadi and many more.

Across the festival, audiences can enjoy an eclectic mix of music, dance, comedy and performance. Highlights include hearing brand new music from The Phoenix Foundation performing at Neudorf Vineyards, acclaimed artist Byllie-jean, the Māori futurism-inspired concert Ā Mua, and Where Conversation Speaks and Music Flows. Hot off the heels of of the Venice Biennale Danza and Atamira Dance Company presents YMCĀ by The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave choreographer Oli Mathiesen , a bold takatāpui reimagining of the Village People and a dazzling collision of disco, queer identity and Māori contemporary dance.

Comedy fans can catch award-winning comedian, journalist and social commentator James Nokise, rising star Bailey Poching (star of Netflix’s North of North) and the wildly entertaining feminist cult-cabaret Chooks, while immersive sell-out horror-comedy Werewolf and family adventure The Valentina promise unforgettable experiences.

From the free experiences of a nine metre high swing in the heart of the city and gathering on Tāhunanui Beach at sunset, to world-class circus, local artists and extraordinary performances, the Nelson Arts Festival is an invitation to come together and share in the joy.

Nelson Arts Festival runs from 22 October – 1 November 2026. For the full programme and tickets visit www.nelsonartsfestival.nz